Crowds give Nepal’s first Paralympic medallist hero’s welcome

KATHMANDU: Nepal gave their first Paralympic medallist a hero’s welcome Wednesday as cheering crowds turned out for taekwondo star Palesha Goverdhan’s return home.

Goverdhan, 21, took bronze at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, the first Games podium place in history for the Himalayan nation who have also never won a medal at the Olympics. “I kept my promise, I brought a medal back home. This achievement is not just for me, but for everyone,” Goverdhan said in a speech after her arrival.

She said it had been a “long wait” for Nepal to win a medal. “It was thought to be impossible... I believe that now young taekwondo players and other players can see it is possible,” she said.

Traditional music and an army band played as Goverdhan, draped in the national flag, marigold garlands and traditional Buddhist scarves, emerged to loud cheers at Kathmandu’s airport.

Many young taekwondo athletes were among hundreds gathered to welcome back Goverdhan, who beamed a wide smile and held up her medal. “I am very happy, very inspired and proud for the country,” said 13-year-old taekwondo athlete Nandani Adhikari, who was among the crowds at the airport. “Her victory feels like our own,” she said.